Edith Mack Hirsch was the wife of Desi Arnaz, the famous Cuban-American actor to whom he got married in 1963 following his divorce from the iconic Lucille Ball. Edith was an American humanitarian and philanthropist born on April 15, 1917, and despite being recognized primarily for her marriage to Desi Arnaz, she had her own achievements and contributions, making her a respected figure in her own right.
She was known for her dedication to humanitarian causes and net worth of around $12.5 million. Sadly, Edith’s life was cut short when she passed away at the age of 67 on March 25, 1985, when she succumbed to health complications related to cancer. Her legacy, however, lives on as the second wife of Desi Arnaz and as someone who made a positive impact on the world.
Throughout their 22-year marriage, Edith Hirsch and Desi Arnaz shared a life filled with love, companionship, and the challenges that come with being high-profile figures in Hollywood. Edith played a crucial role as a stepmother to Desi’s children from his previous marriage, nurturing a blended family dynamic. Despite not having any children of their own, Edith and Desi’s bond remained strong until her untimely death in 1985. Here is all we know about her.
Summary of Edith Mack Hirsch’s Bio
- Full name: Edith Mack Hirsch née McSkimming
- Gender: Female
- Date of birth: April 15, 1917
- Place of birth: Illinois, United States
- Date of death: March 23, 1985
- Place of death: Del Mar, California, United States
- Edith Mack Hirsch’s Age at the time of her death: 67 years old
- Ethnicity: White
- Nationality: American
- Zodiac Sign: Aries
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
- Religion: Christianity
- Marital Status: Married till death
- Edith Mack Hirsch’s Husband: Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha III (deceased, 1963 – 1985), Clement L. Hirsch (1914 – unknown)
- Edith Mack Hirsch’s Children: Desi and Lucie Arnaz (stepchildren)
- Edith Mack Hirsch’s Height in Inches: 5 feet 4 inches
- Edith Mack Hirsch’s Height in Centimeters: 165 cm
- Edith Mack Hirsch’s Weight: 60 (132 lbs.)
- Hair color: Dark Brown
- Eye color: Brown
- Edith Mack Hirsch’s Net Worth: Est. $12.5 million at the time of death
- Famous for: Being the late wife of Desi Arnaz
How Old Was Edith Mack Hirsch When She Died?
Edith Mack Hirsch was 67 years old when she died on March 23, 1985. The cause of her death was reported as complications arising from cancer-related issues. Edith Mack Hirsch was born Edith Mack McSkimming on April 15, 1917, in Illinois, United States.
Her birth sign was Aries, and she was an American citizen by birth. Edith was also a member of the Caucasian ethnic group, but there is very little information about her early life, including who the members of her birth family were. Additionally, details of her formal educational background remain limited to reports that she attended a local high school in her home state of Illinois. It is unknown whether she pursued a college degree.
How Did Desi Arnaz and Edith Mack Hirsch Meet?
The details of how Edith Mack Hirsch met her husband, Desi Arnaz, are unknown, but we can confirm that the late couple met three years after Desi’s divorce from his first wife, Lucille Ball. He subsequently dated Edith for about six months before they exchanged marital vows at a private ceremony on March 2, 1963.
Edith’s husband, Desi Arnaz, was a Cuban-American musician and actor who gained widespread fame for his role on the TV show I Love Lucy. Arnaz’s acting career began in the 1940s when he appeared in several films, including Bataan and The Navy Comes Through. However, it was his role as Ricky Ricardo on I Love Lucy that made him a household name. The show was a massive hit, and Arnaz’s character quickly became one of the most beloved in television history.
Desi Arnaz’s marriage to Edith Mack Hirsch was his second marriage. The two met in 1963, three years after Arnaz divorced Lucille Ball. As mentioned earlier, there is no information about how they met, but they began dating shortly after meeting, and six months later, on March 2, 1963, they tied the knot. The wedding took place at Arnaz’s ranch in California and was a small affair with only close family and friends in attendance.
Their union lasted for about 22 years until Edith died in 1985. Arnaz reduced his showbiz endeavors after their wedding, and during their marriage, the late couple were known for their philanthropic endeavors, with Edith traveling extensively to help those in need. Their marriage was reportedly filled with love and companionship and was typified by their charitable acts.
Who Was Desi Arnaz Married To When He Died?
Desi Arnaz was not married to anyone at the time of his death on December 2, 1986, in Del Mar, California, from lung cancer. However, it is a well-known fact that his marriage to Edith Mack Hirsch was his second marriage. Before his 22-year marriage to Edith, he had been married for two decades to American actress Lucille Ball.
Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball first met in 1940 while filming the movie Too Many Girls. The two talented individuals quickly fell in love and began dating. They shared a deep connection and understanding of each other’s ambitions and dreams. Despite the challenges they faced due to Desi’s touring schedule and Lucy’s demanding work as an actress, they remained committed to their relationship.
After four years of dating, Desi and Lucy tied the knot on November 30, 1940. Their marriage lasted for a remarkable 20 years, a period marked by both triumphs and tribulations. The couple faced numerous challenges, including cheating, miscarriages, fame, and alcohol abuse. However, they managed to weather these storms and maintain a strong bond of friendship even after their marriage ended in divorce on March 2, 1960.
Their wedding day was a joyous occasion, but their journey as a married couple was far from smooth. Desi’s touring with his band often kept him away from home, while Lucy’s busy schedule as an actress further strained their relationship. They experienced several miscarriages, which undoubtedly took an emotional toll on both of them. These setbacks, amongst other things, eventually led to their divorce on March 2, 1960.
One of the most pivotal moments in their relationship was the creation of the iconic television show I Love Lucy. The former couple recognized the potential of working together and formed their own production company, Desilu Productions. The show became a massive success, not only showcasing their comedic talents but also breaking barriers by featuring an interracial couple and a pregnant leading lady. Lucy’s on-screen pregnancy was groundbreaking at the time, and it further endeared the show to audiences.
I Love Lucy aired from 1951 to 1957, and during this time, Desi and Lucy became parents to two children, Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr. The show brought them not only critical acclaim but also financial success. Their marriage, unfortunately, did not endure the pressures of fame and the challenges of balancing their personal and professional lives.
Sadly, Desi Arnaz passed away in 1986, marking the end of an era for Desi and Lucy. Despite the ups and downs they experienced, their legacy as a couple and their impact on American culture and television remains significant to this day.
Why Did Desi and Lucy Divorce?
Ultimately, Desi and Lucy divorced because Lucy was fed up with the late actor’s philandering ways, gambling, and alcoholism. Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball’s marriage experienced significant challenges that ultimately led to their divorce. In September 1944, Ball initially filed for divorce after four years of marriage, citing Arnaz’s drinking problem and alleged infidelity. However, she later reconciled with him before the interlocutory order was given.
One of the issues that plagued their relationship was Arnaz’s alleged involvement with prostitutes. Barbara Eden, a guest star on I Love Lucy, confirmed his infidelity. This betrayal and lack of trust put a strain on their marriage.
Furthermore, Arnaz’s growing problems with alcohol, gambling, and infidelity further contributed to the collapse of their marriage. Ball described him as having a destructive nature and frequent temper outbursts.
The divorce proceedings were finalized on March 2, 1960, after 20 tumultuous years of marriage. Ball filed for divorce in 1960 and became the first woman to run a major television studio when she bought out Arnaz’s share in Desilu Studios. Despite the divorce, they remained close and continued to work in show business.
How Many Children Did Edith Mack Hirsch Have?
Edith Mack Hirsch did not have children while she was alive. Her more than two-decades-long marriage to Desi Arnaz produced no children. Meanwhile, Edith’s marriage to Desi was her second marriage. She was previously married to Clement L. Kirsch, an American businessman.
They married on April 26, 1914, in St. Louis, Missouri, but the finer details of their time as a married couple, including how long they were married, are currently unknown. We can confirm, though, that Edith’s marriage to her first husband did not produce any children, as well as the fact that he died in 1999 at the age of 85.
However, Edith had the privilege of being a stepmother to the two children from her second husband, Desi Arnaz’s first marriage to Lucille Ball. The children in question, Lucie Desiree Arnaz and her brother, Desiderio Alberto Arnaz IV (commonly known as Desi Arnaz Jr.), were born on July 17, 1951, and January 19, 1953, respectively, and were around twelve and ten years old, respectively at the time of Edith’s marriage to their father.
Edith Mack Hirsch had a close relationship with her stepchildren. She became their stepmother and played an important role in their lives. She provided a stable and loving environment for Lucie and Desi Jr. after their parents’ divorce. Although Edith did not play a direct part in advancing their careers, she supported their aspirations and encouraged their artistic endeavors.
Today, Lucie Arnaz is an actress, singer, and producer with a successful career in the entertainment industry. She has been married twice. Her first marriage was to actor Philip Vandervort in 1971, which ended in divorce. She then married actor Laurence Luckinbill in 1980, and they have remained together ever since.
Desi Arnaz Jr. is also involved in the entertainment industry as an actor and musician. He has been married twice. His first marriage was to actress Linda Purl in 1979, but their marriage only lasted about a year before ending in divorce in 1980. Desi Jr. then married Amy Laura Bargiel in 1987. They remained married until she died of cancer in 2015.
Both Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr. have continued to honor their parents’ legacy and have made their own mark in the entertainment industry.
Edith Mack Hirsch’s Net Worth At The Time Of Her Death
Edith Mack Hirsch had a net worth of approximately $12.5 million (USD) at the time of her death.
She was mainly known as the wife of Desiderio Alberto Arnaz y de Acha III, but she was a prominent figure in the entertainment industry and a well-known humanitarian. Although she came from a wealthy background, Edith was also actively engaged in charitable work throughout her life. Her involvement in philanthropy showcased her commitment to making a positive impact on society.
While it is unclear whether Edith had a specific occupation or career, her marriage to Desi Arnaz allowed her to be closely associated with the entertainment world. He achieved great success in his career, as a musician, actor, and television producer, and particularly as the co-founder of the television production company, Desilu Productions. As Desi’s wife, Edith likely played a supportive role in his endeavors, contributing to the success of his career.
Apart from her connection to Desi and the entertainment industry, Edith was recognized for her charitable work. She actively engaged in philanthropic activities, dedicating her time and resources to various causes. Although specific details about the organizations she supported are not readily available, her commitment to humanitarian work highlights her dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.
Edith’s net worth at the time of her passing was estimated to be more than $12.5 million (USD). This significant financial worth is a testament to her husband’s success and their combined wealth. Desi Arnaz’s net worth was reported to be $20 million at the time of his passing, indicating their substantial financial resources.
Despite her wealth, Edith remained down-to-earth and dedicated to helping needy people. Her involvement in charitable work demonstrated her desire to use her resources for the betterment of society. Her net worth not only served as a testament to her financial success but also as a means to support the causes she believed in.
Her legacy as a humanitarian and her involvement in the entertainment industry continue to be remembered and celebrated.
FAQs
Who Was Edith Mack Hirsch?
Edith Mack Hirsch was a humanitarian and American celebrity wife popularly known as the second wife of Desi Arnaz, the late Cuban-American actor, musician, and producer.
When Did Edith Mack Hirsch Die?
Edith Mack Hirsch died on March 23, 1985, in Del Mar, California. She was 67 years old at the time of her death.
How Did Edith Mack Hirsch Die?
Edith Mack Hirsch died from health complications that were cancer-related.
How Many Years Was Desi Arnaz Married To His Second Wife?
Desi Arnaz was married to his second wife, Edith Mack Hirsch, for 22 years. They tied the knot on March 2, 1963, and remained married until Edith died on March 23, 1985.
